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Sunday, March 24, 2013

Cookie Butter Showdown : Biscoff vs. Trader Joe's

Manila has seriously turned into a foodie mecca. Gone are the days wherein people are contented with the limited choices of restaurants and they would visit the same ones week in and out. Today, food trends are flying in and around the city, a good number of foodies would roam the streets in search for the latest find and one would go beyond the 7,107 islands of the country in order to satisfy his/her tummy with the yummiest thing out there.

We're a rice eating country but lately people are starting to buy more bread and to bring a sandwich to work is the next in thing. Why is that?

If you ask me, I'm pointing to these two bottles as the main culprits -- meet Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter and Lotus Biscoff Spread.

It all happened so fast, one day Peanut Butter and Jelly ruled the land and the next day it was these two spreads fighting for the limelight on the sandwich scene. In the words of the Iron Chef host, which sandwich spread will reign supreme?

Let's take a closer look:

I was given not one but two bottles of Lotus Biscoff Spreads by two sweet friends as their going away gift for us. We wasted no time in trying the first bottle out that I even thought of creating my very own Biscoff muffins out of them. The Lotus Biscoff spread had a light gingerbread flavor and the sweetness level was just alright. It had a very creamy texture that goes so well on bread, muffins or even when eaten alone. I was also able to try the cookies and for me, I love the cookie more. It's not available in any Manila supermarkets but one can purchase this through various websites online for only Php. 350 a jar.

Moving on to the Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter, I got the Chunky version for only Php. 450 from a friend who's selling this as well. As I opened the bottle, I instantly noticed that it had a thin film of oil on top. I don't remember seeing this in the Lotus Biscoff spread. I can't compare their texture side by side as one was creamy and this one was the crunchy type. However, I have to admit that I did enjoyed the slight crunch that I get in every bite which was due to the crushed cookies included into the mixture. This one had a stronger gingerbread flavor and was a bit sweeter too.

Looking at the Nutritional Content, both have just about the same amount of fat, sugar, sodium, etc. Both spreads have zero Trans Fat and Cholesterol too which I later figured out was because they have exactly the same ingredients. I enjoy my Biscoff / Speculoos sandwiches with a tall glass of milk. It somehow gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling the same way is always does during Christmas morning.

Personally, I enjoyed the Trader Joe's Speculoos Cookie Butter more because of the crunchy texture. I also like the stronger gingerbread flavor that I get in each bite. I'll try the Lotus Biscoff Crunchy as well as the Speculoos Creamy Cookie Butter next time which will definitely call for another showdown.

Till then, excuse me while I go sandwich crazy!

I know of two sellers selling these spreads in Manila:LorenaAndLoreta sells both the Lotus Biscoff Spreads as well as the Trader Joe's Speculoos Spread. Both creamy and chunky variants are available. Visit their Facebook page for more information. Warning though, order in advance as there's always a waiting time due to the high volume of orders they get. :)

My verdict is the complete opposite! Hahahaha... best to compare both creamy versions.I found Biscoff spread a bit more oily, sweeter, and more spreadable than TJs.I enjoy both brands, creamy and crunchy versions too!But I love Biscoff more because it has more depth in flavor -- you can really taste the hint of cinnamon, caramel and gingerbread flavors.

@Mom-Friday: My mom shares the same sentiments with you. she likes Biscoff more than TJ haha there's an ongoing debate in the house and a forming Team TJ vs Team Lotus haha I will try the crunchy version of Lotus ;)

I'm drooling over the photos. I was able to buy the regular and crunchy TJ's but I will yet have to taste when I go back to Manila on August. I wonder how the distributors are able to purchase bulk orders. Di ba ang mahal ng tax sa custom.